Why I Volunteer as an Amputee “Lab Participant” at MUSC — And Why It Matters for Developing Talent
Today marked my third year volunteering at MUSC’s Physical Therapy program as a real-world case study for students learning to work with amputees. I jokingly call myself their “lab rat,” (apologies, PETA) but the impact is real—for them and for me.
How This Connects to Business & L&D
As someone in Learning & Development, I see the value of experiential learning firsthand:
✔ Turning lived experience into insight
I share what helped me progress, what didn’t, and the best practices clinicians used with me—like customer-driven feedback loops used in business to improve outcomes.
✔ Building future-ready professionals
These students will treat thousands of patients throughout their careers. Helping them gain confidence now is an investment in better long-term care and stronger communities.
✔ Modeling human-centered training
Real people > simulations. Authentic scenarios build actual competence, emotional intelligence, and communication skills—key traits in any professional environment.
And yes, I still bring humor. It breaks tension, encourages engagement, and creates a safe learning space. The same principle applies in corporate training rooms everywhere.
What Students Gain
Real-world complexity instead of textbook scenarios
Immediate feedback that they can apply instantly
Confidence working with amputees for the first time
Insights from my story, challenges, and successes
Volunteering at MUSC is a reminder that the best learning happens through real experience, honest feedback, and human connection. I’ll keep showing up—with my prosthetic, my story, and a few good jokes.
#MUSC #PhysicalTherapy #ExperientialLearning #LearningAndDevelopment #HealthcareEducation #PatientExperience #CommunityImpact #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipInLearning #PTStudents #RealWorldLearning #InstructionalDesign #EmpathyInPractice
